Eilenburg, just outside Leipzig in Saxony, was once the residence of the Wettin dynasty. Its heyday was in the Middle Ages, when its brewing industry flourished. Martin Luther visited this prosperous small country town several times between 1522 and 1545.

Although the Lutheran Church of Our Lady is today an internationally recognised symbol of Protestant architecture as well as a famous Dresden landmark, the Reformation initially attracted very few supporters in the city.

'Exceedingly charming' is how Martin Luther described the Bavarian town of Coburg, and today's visitors can see exactly what he meant. An old quarter full of lanes, towers and churches, and not one but four castles, make this a unique combination of art, history and culture.

Bretten nestles among the vineyards of the Kraichgau and is surrounded by the hills of the Odenwald and the Black Forest. This enchanting setting is no doubt one of the reasons why Philipp Melanchthon always remained firmly attached to his birthplace.

Today Bad Neustadt is a spa resort whose attractions include its saline springs, a beautifully preserved old quarter and baroque art at its most exuberant. When Luther's mother was born here in the 15th century, the town was the economic centre of the Franconian hill country.

Bad Hersfeld in north-east Hessen is known for the festival that takes place amid the world's biggest Romanesque church ruins. Martin Luther was attracted to this romantic town and preached here during his travels through Hessen.